Haleigh Marie Cummings #22 9/20/09 - 9/23/09

[Heart]

Brother: Stepmom wasn't home night Haleigh disappeared
He says he went to the home to check on the family and no one was there.

By Karen Voyles

Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 11:05 p.m.

The night that Haleigh Cummings was reported missing, phone records show her dad tried to reach the woman caring for the 5-year-old Putnam County girl at least 20 times.

When Ronald Cummings could not reach Misty Croslin Cummings, who was then his girlfriend and now his wife, he called her brother, Hank "Tommy" Croslin Jr., and asked him to check on the family, law enforcement officials say. Hank Croslin recently told investigators that the house was dark and no one answered the door when he banged on it.

Those new details about the investigation into the February disappearance of Haleigh were confirmed Tuesday by Rick Ryan, the chief of staff of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. Ryan said Hank Croslin provided his version of events while being interviewed by investigators last week.

Croslin was questioned in an interview room next door to the county jail. He has been held at the jail since mid-September after being charged with stealing a handgun from the home of his parents' former neighbor.

Ryan said phone records show that Ronald Cummings made 20 attempts to reach Misty during the evening of Feb. 9. Hank Croslin, who lived down the street, told investigators Cummings asked him to check on Misty, Haleigh and Cummings' 3-year-old son, Ronald Cummings Jr., who Cummings believed were all at the mobile home where they lived as a family.

Hank Croslin told investigators that when he arrived at the home at about 9:45 p.m., there were no lights on inside and that no one answered the door when he banged on it.

"What Hank Croslin told us is contrary to what Misty told us," Ryan said.

Misty previously had told investigators she put the children to bed and was doing housework before she went to bed sometime around 10 p.m.

She also told investigators that when she woke around 3 a.m., she noticed that Haleigh was not in bed and that the back door of the home had been propped open. Haleigh's disappearance was reported to the Sheriff's Office at 3:27 a.m.

The Sheriff's Office has issued statements clearing Ronald Cummings and Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, of suspicion in her disappearance.

However, on Haleigh's sixth birthday in August, the agency issued a statement that read, in part, that Misty Croslin Cummings "has failed to provide any sort of detailed accounting of the hours during the late evening and early morning of Haleigh's disappearance. Furthermore, physical evidence at the scene contradicts Misty's sketchy account of her evening activities."

Misty Croslin Cummings has not been named a suspect in the case, a case that has generated more than 4,000 leads so far.

A message was left at the office of her attorney on Tuesday, but he could not immediately be reached for comment.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090923/ARTICLES/909231013/1002?Title=Brother-Stepmom-wasn-t-home-night-Haleigh-disappeared-

[MuffyBee]

"Furthermore, physical evidence at the scene contradicts Misty's sketchy account of her evening activities," the statement said.
http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2009/09/22/news/news01.txt

I have always wondered what physical evidence they are talking about the numerous times they have stated this.

Anyone have any ideas?

I have been wondering that myself, I just don't know.

Dorry for being waaay behind on this (*puff, puff* running to catch up), but if Misty "washed Haleigh's blanket because it smelled like pee", she would have had to dry it to get it back on Misty's bed in time for bedtime.  Therefore, the lint trap on the dryer would likely contain fibers matching the blanket fibers, if indeed it was washed and dried.  JMO

ISPY, I agree with the lint trap and felt that would be an easy way to determine if the blanket had been recently washed and dried.  But then I remembered who we are dealing with, there is no telling what's in that lint trap.


[b]Muffy[/b], after reading your comments about Misty and the possibility of her getting the Baker Act, I completely agree with you.  Thanks for the clear and concise thought process, it's the only explanation I've heard in a couple of days that makes perfect sense.

(Bolded by me)  You must be mistaken.  I didn't make any comments about Misty/Baker Act. 

[jill]

how is it that you go to jail for a felony drug charge and are able to bond out 30 minutes later??

[cherjers]

This is suspitous1/s theory from over at WS........I hope its ok to post, it makes more sense then anything Ive read so far/.

Well, my boyfriend and I just watched another episode of NG and my boyfriend said some interesting things that I would like to share with everyone.

First off, my boyfriend just found out about the 20 calls made to Misty by Ron. His first reaction was "oh, why was it so urgent for him to talk to her?" This is what his theory is:

Ron is involved but no how everyone thinks he his. Maybe Ron got a phone call at work from one of his drug buddies and got wind of someone coming to his house to take back something that belonged to them. Maybe a drug deal gone bad. (Ron reference to his daughter as not being "property" but a human being). Ron panicks and tries to get a hold of Misty but she is not answering her phone. Maybe she thinks Ron is calling her to argue again but these calls were about something totally different. KInda like he is calling to warn her. Ron is so nervous about what might happen that he calls her 20 times! With no luck, he calls Tommy and fills Tommy in on what is happening and suggest that he goes to check on them, and Tommy did just that. Ron didn't call grandma to check on them because he didn't want her caught up in this mess so Ron calls the one person that he thinks may be able to handle the situation. Tommy doesn't know what to expect at the MH so he takes Joe with him (2 is better than 1 when you are up against a couple of drug dealers) Tommy goes to the MH, knocks, and no one answered. Tommy said that he waited around for awhile to see whether or not Misty would answer the door or arrive home. Wait a minute. I would think that the average person, if it was just a routine check up on Misty, would have knocked, gotten no answer and left. Why did Tommy wait around for her? Because whatever Ron told him was warrant enough for him wait around for awhile.

Maybe Misty wasn't home when the drug buddies got there but she slipped up and left the kids there sleep. Haleigh got up in the middle of the robbery and they took her. Maybe they took her because they knew she could identify them and couldn't risk the chance. IDK. Misty returns home unaware as to what has happened to Haleigh. She gets home right before Ron, literally.. She doesn't know what is going on. I think if LE would've given Misty a lie detector test right then she would've PASSED IT. I think at that point she really didn't know what had happened. But Ron knew what was going on.

Misty had to stick to her story that she was asleep because she had indeed left the MH. That was the first lie she told to Ron about that night, so in fear of Ron she had to tell the same story to LE. From the day Haleigh disappeared up until Misty took the lie detector test Ron filled her in on what was going on. That's when the cover up began. They both have ties in this. Misty for not being at the MH and Ron for being the reason the guys were there in the first place. I also believe that Ron told his mother what really happened which is the reason she protects Misty. Because Misty protects Ron. She stands behind her man and that's why in TN eyes Misty is a good woman, like a saint.lol Misty is doing all this lying for her son.

Whatever is going on Ron has a part in it. And I think the truth will hurt Ron more than it will Misty. That's what I think brought on the ratgate incident. Dead Rat..meaning if you tell you die? Misty family is mad because Misty is going along with BS and there is no doubt in my mind Hank filled mom in on what Ron called and said that night. They were worried about Misty which could be the reason for the non emergency police call. They were expecting something to happen? and at the time of that call there was no real emergency or they would've called 911. But after that call something did happen and Misty is out, with her cell phone off..knows nothing. All of this went on without her knowledge.

My boyfriend isn't the brightest crayon in the box but something about his theory just seems possible to me.

Misty account is true except for being there in the MH. What she meant to say was "I left at about 10p-but when I got home all I saw was a 3. Just so happens it's moments before Ron arrives home. When she walks through the door after being out, she notices the kitchen light on, and immediately notices the back door cracked and knew the door was locked when she left (not when she went to bed). She then runs to the bedroom looking for the kids and notices Haleigh is gone. And that's all she knows.

No doubt that it wasn't random. But they both, Misty and Ron, have something to do with this.

Nice theory. However, I know there has not been any rhyme or reason for these players actions, but if Ron thought that he was being visited by some bad a$$ drug dealers that evening/night, why would he go out of the way for beer, peanuts and cigs?

Whats the explanation for the van being moved and damaged?

It has not been confirmed that Ron even talked with Tommy nor asked that him to go over to check on Misty and the kids.

I may have more to add once we find out on Thursday or Friday just where it is Misty has been sent or gone.

I like the theory-as far as Ron going for cig and beer-if he made 20 phone calls u think he would rush home-not stop for berr and cig-I guess if he thought his children or misty were in danger-or misty was just avoiding his phone calls-cig and beer come first-----sorry monkeys good morning

[MuffyBee]

how is it that you go to jail for a felony drug charge and are able to bond out 30 minutes later??

Maybe he has the bondsman on speed dial?  Or the bonding company listens to the scanner and knows he's been picked up and is a regular client, so they head on over to start the bonding process (customer service?)   

[Heart]

#  Newbie Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 am

Here is my theory. Please be kind.
Crack, crystal meth & etc. exhausts the body. Three days of partying with this type drugs would have a strong effect on a tiny girl. I think it is likely that Ronald & Misty were also using crack during their Sunday all nighter. Misty would have been sleeping like the dead.

When Ronald called the Crosilan home it gave Tommy the idea to rob the trailer if Misty was gone. When he reached the trailer Misty WAS there but she was crashed out. He might have even knocked on the door. He might have looked in the window & saw Misty was sleeping. Tommy knew all the drugs Misty had been doing because he had been there earlier. He would know if she was a sound sleeper anyway, as he is her brother.
So Tommy enters the trailer one way or the other & props the door open in case he has to run. Haleigh could have even awakened & let him in because she knew him. At some point he decides to take Haleigh. It could have been that Haleigh woke after he was in the trailer & saw him.

All Tommy has done with his admission is put himself at the scene of the crime during the right time frame & made himself a suspect. I think the police knew who to arrest.

There’s no way Misty would have done anything to Haleigh (unless Ronald is guilty, too). She is too scared of Ronald. He would have killed her for hurting his kid.

—
Newbie–You are thinking out of the box. I like it. Art

http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39157

[GramaMonkey]

www.artharris.com

By Art Harris, The Bald Truth, (c) artharris.com, all rights reserved

The gang’s all here, well almost.

At 11:14 p.m. Tuesday, another local in the Satsuma, Florida good time entourage Misty Croslin Cummings told police she partied with in the three days before she reported Haleigh Cummings missing, was arrested and jailed on felony cocaine and marijuana possession charges.

Then, 30 minutes later, Greg Page, a light-skinned African American many locals fondly call “White Boy Greg,” posted a $1,508 bond on the drug charges and waltzed out of the Putnam County Jail. Another Misty galpal, Kristina Nay Nay Prevatt, 18, who Misty told investigators drove them all on the party spree before Haleigh vanished, also remains in jail on drug charges in Palatka’s little big house.

And let’s not forget the career criminal who claimed to be Nay Nay’s benefactor, aka pimp, Jerome Williams, who remains behind bars on felony drug charges, and had to be transferred to St. John’s County when word leaked out he was talking to Putnam County Sheriff’s investigators about redeeming his sordid past by ferretting out leads to find Haleigh, or what happened to the missing six year old. No one likes a snitch, even if it’s for a good cause.

He never did deliver, his $35,000 reward dreams dashed, and a chance to maybe wipe his slate clean gone forever. Sources tell me investigators had high hopes for a break, but Jerome broke their hearts. I talked to him several times before he went down and explained how he could be a hero, why law enforcement saw him as a, well, possible White Knight, albeit with gold teeth and a temper.

He had a plan, he said, to dispatch his damsels, Nay Nay and another sultry secret agent who ran in the same circles, Amber Brooks, a Ronald Cummings ex girlfriend, to, well go undercover…Jerome’s Angels…on the prowl to wink and wiggle and maybe come back with a lead…So investigators were bummed to learn Jerome’s angle was just a dangle, bogus bonafides, another lead, another disappointment amid 4,000 tips and leads pursued by the PCSD, the latest leading them to drain the pond last weekend, another dead end that had also raised hopes.

And let’s not forget Tommy Croslin, who just threw Misty under the bus in a strange recollection that he suddenly revealed– how he went to Cummings’ trailer the night Haleigh vanished, pounded on the door, and no one answered –or appeared to be home.

Just where was Misty? That’s what Ronald wanted to know, especially since she’d just come home Sunday after her revenge romance with White Boy, and told me he was indeed livid, but staying with her as the only chance he saw to stay close to the last person who saw Haleigh. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” became his favorite line privately, while on talk shows he professes loyalty to his now wife who married him a month after Haleigh vanished.

Gary Bowling, a major with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, say his phone records reveal he made 20 phone calls to her that Monday night, but she didn’t pick up; that’s why he says he called the Croslin’s to ask if Misty was there, and Tommy says he made a request for him to check the trailer. Not that Ronald’s family believes Tommy, who faces theft charges and little prospect of getting out of jail anytime soon, with a whopping $50,000 bond hanging over his head.

Even Ronald Cummings did a quick turnaround in jail recently when Tommy filed assault charges against him for a fight that broke out when the Croslins showed up claiming Misty wanted to be rescued. He was out fast, denying he had assaulted anyone, and later that he had anything to do with a decapitated rat Tommy later found in his mailbox, and called police to finger Ronald.

Now it’s Tommy who’s ratting out Misty. And where is she? No one knew exactly Tuesday night, just that she’d taken off for parts unknown, jumping in the car of a friend shortly after another fight with Ronald.

[cherjers]

I think if anyone had Ha

This is suspitous1/s theory from over at WS........I hope its ok to post, it makes more sense then anything Ive read so far/.

<snipped for length>

I think it could have happened like this....i wonder what their theory  is on if Haleigh is alive or not and you would think that ron would have some idea of where she might be ...after 7 months you would think he would be at these peoples door....maybe he isn't all that badazz...but it sure does fit together well

I agree, this sure could have happened.  Other things fit, such as the $35,000 that Ron supposedly needed.  Payment for something.  As I mentioned earlier. 

One thing tho, Ron supposedly has said early on in the case that he had the only key to the MH.  So if Misty was sneaking out while he was at work, leaving the kids alone and sleeping, she very likely propped the rear door open so she could get back in easily enough, without Ron knowing she had been gone.  Kids very likely slept thru it all, each time.  But on THAT night, with the above scenario...... Made easy access for whomever to get inside for whatever, door wasn't locked.  And in that, Misty was responsible.  Altho overall, it's on Ron and Misty both.  IMO. 

And that could leave Haleigh alive and well somewhere, being kept as collateral until/unless they get their money.  Whoever 'they' are.  But Ron knows.  IMO.  Even if Misty doesn't.  All they'd have to do is when they get their money, drop Haleigh off at the nearest safe house, send her inside and jam away. 

  I think if anyone had Halegh they would have given her up by now-droped her off soemwhere-this case is to hot for them to hold her-or felt the need to kill her (god forbid)Misty could have pulled a KC and drug the kids so they would sleep-so the kids were home when her brother came but did not wake up-she put the brick my the door so she could get back in.  now who knew she left the door open and that the kids were inside-could be the people ron was affaid of coming-they go lucky and found the door open. Ron and Misty responsible--for not caring about these children-and how bad of a mother was C that the judge gave ron the children- why didnt the grandparent step in and watch the chidren-why leave a 16 year od girl in charge -one that had a drug problem-no respect for any of these people-they make the Anthonys look good

[jill]

how is it that you go to jail for a felony drug charge and are able to bond out 30 minutes later??

Maybe he has the bondsman on speed dial?  Or the bonding company listens to the scanner and knows he's been picked up and is a regular client, so they head on over to start the bonding process (customer service?)   

that's gotta be it.

unbelievable.

[Heart]

#  Janice Sharp Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm

I’m confused. I thought the neighbor that Jr. stole the gun from and then his parents returned it to (wasn’t that sweet?) said they were always using his phone because theirs was out of service. He made the comment that just days before Haleigh went missing that Misty said she was sick of taking care of other peoples kids and to pray for her. THEY WERE THERE USING HIS PHONE!!!So how is it that Ronald would have been able to call Jr. or Jr.’s parents if the phones were not working????????? Hello!!!! The rats in that neighborhood aren’t just in the mailbox, and the stench is getting worse everyday.
——-
JANICE–

I was the first to report what the neighbor, marv martin, told me–that Misty said she was “damn tired” of taking care of someone else’s kids. I DID NOT REPORT IT WAS JUST DAYS BEFORE HALEIGH WENT MISSING, but it was after she started going out with Ronald, but not close to the vanishing. … re THE phone call ronald made to the house. not the house phone, only phones working are these. ART

ps pls tell me where you saw or read the above and if someone is reporting without attribution and getting it wrong.
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39153

Can someone explain to me Arts statement that is colored red above.  He lost me there.

[Claycat]

The events of this weekend have caused me to question the actions of LE. Suppose they did find the piece of important evidence in the pond. Knowing the lies on all sides it will be a case of he said/she said so they pull out the equipment, deny they recovered evidence,drop little nuggets of info and watch and wait. LE could be watching that partially drained pond knowing someone knows where they put the item in question. They also know that someone will not be able to resist the impulse to come back to the pond. The guilty party knows that if only they can recover the evidence and hide it in a secure place they will destroy the item that links them to the events of that Feb. night. The irresistible pull of the pond could smoke out the guilty party. Plausible ?

Definitely plausible!  However, that may be giving them too much credit.  At this point in time, I believe LE about as much as I believe the Croslins.  They told us the pond search had nothing to do with Haleigh; then they told us it did.  They told us they didn't find any evidence; then they said they wouldn't talk about the evidence.  Now we are hearing that they may not even have all of the phone records concerning Misty!

So, the people involved can't get the facts straight.  LE can't get the facts straight.  The media can't get the facts straight.  Monty Python's Flying Circus makes far more sense than all of these people put together.  JMO

[Heart]

#  Rose Red Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Art,

What a difference a day makes,.. What I wrote EARLY this morning I have already started to question.. I am wondering now if Tommy spilled on all & Haleigh has been found & they are waiting for DNA testing to confirm this Thursday or Friday.. So, is Misty waiting with PCSO or Lawyer awaiting booking come Thursday or Friday ? ..

It’s going to be a long couple of days …
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39151

[Fanny Mae]

#  Rose Red Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Art,

What a difference a day makes,.. What I wrote EARLY this morning I have already started to question.. I am wondering now if Tommy spilled on all & Haleigh has been found & they are waiting for DNA testing to confirm this Thursday or Friday.. So, is Misty waiting with PCSO or Lawyer awaiting booking come Thursday or Friday ? ..

It’s going to be a long couple of days …
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39151

GOOD MORNING! 

If that were the case, why would Misty have been all chipper and happy as she was leaving Ron?   

[carolb]

#  Rose Red Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Art,

What a difference a day makes,.. What I wrote EARLY this morning I have already started to question.. I am wondering now if Tommy spilled on all & Haleigh has been found & they are waiting for DNA testing to confirm this Thursday or Friday.. So, is Misty waiting with PCSO or Lawyer awaiting booking come Thursday or Friday ? ..

It’s going to be a long couple of days …
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39151

GOOD MORNING! 

If that were the case, why would Misty have been all chipper and happy as she was leaving Ron?   

Or... If Ron is guilty, they are making him think that Misty is going down, while they are really getting her into a safe place.  Both Misty and Ron would leave each other happy knowing that the other will be charged.

[GramaMonkey]

#  Rose Red Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Art,

What a difference a day makes,.. What I wrote EARLY this morning I have already started to question.. I am wondering now if Tommy spilled on all & Haleigh has been found & they are waiting for DNA testing to confirm this Thursday or Friday.. So, is Misty waiting with PCSO or Lawyer awaiting booking come Thursday or Friday ? ..

It’s going to be a long couple of days …
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39151

GOOD MORNING! 

If that were the case, why would Misty have been all chipper and happy as she was leaving Ron?   

Lost her train of thought for a moment, as she had just gotten a 'KISS' from Ronald and he tapped her behind. 

[Heart]

#  Rose Red Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Art,

What a difference a day makes,.. What I wrote EARLY this morning I have already started to question.. I am wondering now if Tommy spilled on all & Haleigh has been found & they are waiting for DNA testing to confirm this Thursday or Friday.. So, is Misty waiting with PCSO or Lawyer awaiting booking come Thursday or Friday ? ..

It’s going to be a long couple of days …
http://www.artharris.com/2009/09/21/exclusive-misty-cummings-brother-reveals-he-was-at-trailer-and-more/#comment-39151

GOOD MORNING! 

If that were the case, why would Misty have been all chipper and happy as she was leaving Ron?   

so am I!

However that is the same poster that broke the news about the activity in Mondex, when it was confusion whether there was any activity or not.

[crimedontpay]

Think I just heard Amber Brooks name on scanner.

[Heart]

Croslin stated during questioning that Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, had called him from his work and asked him to check on Misty since he had not been able to contact her by phone the night Haleigh disappeared. Tommy told PSCO detectives that he went down to Ron’s trailer in the 10pm hour, knocked on the door and got no answer.

Croslin Jr also told detectives that all the lights were out and that no tv’s or radios were seen or heard inside the trailer. It was quiet.
 
Ironically, The Croslin family members were given this information by law enforcement and each appeared to choose not to mention this information in any of their statements this weekend.
http://www.thesky973.com/pages/5264616.php

[fatcatlurker]

Croslin stated during questioning that Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, had called him from his work and asked him to check on Misty since he had not been able to contact her by phone the night Haleigh disappeared. Tommy told PSCO detectives that he went down to Ron’s trailer in the 10pm hour, knocked on the door and got no answer.

Croslin Jr also told detectives that all the lights were out and that no tv’s or radios were seen or heard inside the trailer. It was quiet.
 
Ironically, The Croslin family members were given this information by law enforcement and each appeared to choose not to mention this information in any of their statements this weekend.
http://www.thesky973.com/pages/5264616.php

Maybe because nobody knew but Tommy as the above posters theory states about Misty passed out.  And not only did Tommy place himself at the scene but he now has stated that he spent time there waiting for a response from Misty.  So he probably looked in a window maybe one that a blanket/curtain was missing from.  Someone is telling a tale here that may require an extended stay in jail imo.

[jill]

maybe Ron and Misty were not aware of everything that is happening right now when they were shot lovin on each other?